Motorcycles, Events, Leather, Helmets and Apparel Blog

Motorcycle Lifestyle Exhibit

Alfred P. Sloan was elected President of General Motors in 1923 and led the company to phenomenal success for 23 years. Flint, Michigan was famous for making carriages long before it became known for automobiles. The Alfred P. Sloan Museum located at 1221 E. Kearsley Street is part of the Flint Cultural Center dedicated to preserving automotive history.

Before World War II, the motorcycle was used because of its practicality as a form of transportation. The “Rides and Rebels,” exhibit runs until July 2008, is a tribute to the motorcyclist who has become the symbol of individual freedom and discovery.

This exhibit shows that there is more to the motorcycle lifestyle than the image presented by the film “Rebel Without a Cause.” Bikers are responsible and creative individuals who value the environment: motorcycles use far less gasoline and produce fewer pollutants than cars.

The display features 60 motorcycles on loan from Michigan riders, famous racers, including a section called “My First Bike” featuring a Tiger Triumph named “Tea Time” restored by local leather artist Bob “Leatherman” Katrinic, that’s adorned with silver spoons, teapots, teacups and crystals from chandeliers. There is also artwork, photographs and a lot of leather jackets.